There were three other notable developments.

• Defence Minister Linda Reynolds is reported to have called Brittany Higgins a “lying cow” while discussing her former staffer’s account of reporting her alleged rape. In a statement last night, Reynolds didn’t reject the claim, saying that she did “comment on news reports regarding surrounding circumstances that I felt had been misrepresented.” Reynolds remains on medical leave.

• Chief of Defence General Angus Campbell was criticised for warning cadets against being out late, drinking too much, and presenting themselves as “attractive” lest they be targets of sexual assault. That’s “not helpful rhetoric,” said Grace Tame, our Aussie of the Year and sexual abuse survivor. Campbell sought to clarify the comments made in a speech last month, saying he was trying to highlight that Defence took safety seriously.

• And Tame, who addressed the National Press Club yesterday, said she was not surprised by the claims that have dominated federal politics in recent weeks. “Cover-up culture, the abuse of power, is not unique to Parliament … it happens everywhere,” she said. Asked about Morrison’s ‘as a father’ comment, she said “it shouldn’t take having children to have a conscience.”